Behind The Brand: Sayuri Nail Lacquer

We spoke with Anthea from Sayuri about sparkles, pretty pastels and adorable kittens.

Tell us about your brand’s backstory

The creation of Sayuri was part of a natural progression for me. I had completed a fashion qualification but decided not to pursue it further as a career, and I was in my first year of studying business at uni when I decided to give polish making a go as a creative outlet. I was very heavily into nail art at the time, so Sayuri is a combination of my fashion qualification, business qualification, and love of nail polish. Sayuri is a Japanese girls’ name. I first saw it in one of my Japanese text books at uni and it stuck with me.

What is your brand best known for?

I have a soft spot for pastel shades, and I think it’s our pastels that are ultimately the most popular with our fans.

What inspires you?

Anything from fashion sub-cultures to art and mythology. I like to look a little deeper into a theme than what you see on the surface, and pull inspiration from some of the more abstract or quirky aspects when creating a polish.

What are your 3 favourite polishes that you’ve created, and why?

Sugar Coated Dreams – this was such a cute polish back when chunky glitter toppers were popular. Interstellar Existence – there’s something about squishy jellies and flakes that I adore. Cloaked Fortunes – it’s such a beautiful, rich purple that was created entirely by accident.

What are your 3 best sellers?

Our 3 best sellers of all time are Fairy Kei, Sugar Coated Dreams and Third Space Of Heaven. Unfortunately, the first 2 have been discontinued for quite a while now.

Favourite part of your job?

Knowing that what I’m creating has the ability to bring someone happiness, and playing with sparkles of course!

How do you want you/your brand to be remembered?

I’ve often been referred to as ‘quirky’, and when I was younger I thought that was a bad thing. Over the years though I’ve embraced that, and of course my quirkiness has been transferred to Sayuri. I think I’d be happy to be remembered as quirky, it’s better than being boring!

And now, the fun bits…

What was your dream job growing up?

In my primary school ‘yearbook’ I believe I wrote “something to do with cats”. I think at the time I wanted to be a breeder –being young I didn’t understand how terrible some breeding programs are – I just wanted to be surrounded by kittens!

How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?

Let’s face it, I wouldn’t. I have weak ankles so I can’t run, and I don’t know how to fight or use a weapon. I’d probably last a few days before I got tired and hungry, had a tantrum, and gave up.

Finally, and this one is important, so please pay attention. What do you think cats dream about?

I can’t speak for all cats, but my youngest cat Lacey is pretty easy to read and I’m certain she dreams about eating dairy foods, chasing lizards and collecting large leaves.